Can the Government return the budget to surplus by 2014-15?

The Government took in $1.57 billion less tax than expected in the first nine months of the fiscal year, reflecting a tepid economy, Treasury figures show - reflecting what the Finance Minister says has been a 'difficult year'.

The Crown took in $39.8 billion in tax in the nine months ended March 31, against a forecast in the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update estimate of $41.3 billion, according to the government's financial statements.